VIDEO: Bejing Chorus Performs at College Park

Happy Angel Chorus of Yi Shi Fu Xiao performed at College Park Elementary School

Local children were entertained and educated by their international counterparts, as San Mateo-Foster City School District students and families attended a traditional Chinese performance on Monday.

College Park Elementary School welcomed the Happy Angel Chorus of Yi Shi Fu Xiao from Beijing, China. The choir consisted of ten teachers and 40 students, ages nine through twelve.

Led by their Vice Principal, Ms. Di Yongjie, the group performed traditional Chinese folk songs as well as music from other countries.

“I think we are very fortunate,” said parent Cheryl Tulabing. “We’re a small city and our kids still get this cultural experience. This is a rare opportunity.”

The choral members were also offered a tour of the school, activities with students, lunch and a physical education class.

“They will spend a ‘typical American day’ at College Park, attending classes with a buddy, having lunch in the cafeteria, and getting to know our students, said College Park Principal, Diana Hallock.

College Park boasts a Mandarin Immersion program for students pre-K-3, providing content-based instruction in Mandarin.

“College Park began a Mandarin elective program six years ago that has evolved into Mandarin Immersion in the past four years,” said Hallock. “One half of our faculty is Mandarin speaking.”